“Cute Amigurumi Monsters” is a crochet pattern book with 10 different little monster projects. The designs are all by Yolanda Soto-Lopez.

In case you’re wondering, “amigurumi” is simply a Japanese word meaning a crocheted or knitted stuffed doll. Amigurumi is the same thing as stuffed animal or stuffies; it’s just a name for them that’s currently most popular. You may also find the words “ami” and “amis” being used as shortened versions of the same thing. Not to worry, though. There is no special technique. They’re the same stuffed crochet animals or dolls that you’ve come to know and love.

The monsters measure between about 7 inches and 10 inches. I think I would like to try double-stranding and see if I can get some BIG monsters. How fun!

Minty, shown here on the left, is my favorite of the bunch. So cute!

All projects are listed as skill level Easy, which is just above Beginner level. These are “projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes and simple shaping and finishing.”

There are easy stitches here. You just need to be certain that you’re working at a tight enough tension that your fiber filling stays inside.

You’ll find tutorials in the book for these techniques to help guide you through making the monsters:

adjustable loop

back ridge of chain

changing colors

weaving through stitches

whipstitch, and

outline stitch

The pieces are all very easy to make and you simply sew them together with a yarn needle. Amigurumi are fun and easy to make.

Yolanda has used easily accessible Red Heart Super Saver for all of these designs and the exact colors are listed in the book to make it easier to get your supplies together.

Open worldwide only where allowed by law. Void where prohibited.

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I can’t help but remember how much Christian loved to play with pretend food when he was younger. Your little ones will love this selection of 20 free crochet patterns for pretending, especially during rainy days when outdoor play isn’t possible (free at the time of posting). I hope you like them!